My Administration is committed to providing the resources needed to ensure
that veterans, including those returning from current combat operations,
receive the quality care and services they deserve.

In the FY 2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act, Public Law 110-161,
$3,691,391,000 was designated by the Congress as an emergency requirement
contingent upon a formal budget request by me that includes designation of
the entire amount as an emergency requirement. While I believe that these
funds should have been considered as regular appropriations, the men and
women who have sacrificed for our country should not be held hostage to
budgetary wrangling in Washington. Therefore, to provide these funds in a
timely manner I hereby request and designate as an emergency requirement
the $3,691,391,000, consistent with Public Law 110-161.

Additional information on this action is set forth in the enclosed letter
from the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.